This Strawberry Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert bursting with real strawberry flavor. Made with a white cake mix, strawberry Jello, and fresh strawberries, this cake is soft, sweet, and topped with a rich strawberry buttercream frosting. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Uses a cake mix for convenience while adding fresh ingredients for a homemade taste.
- Packed with Strawberry Flavor: Jello and real strawberries enhance the flavor.
- Moist & Fluffy: The perfect texture with a soft, tender crumb.
- Beautiful Presentation: A lovely pink cake that’s great for celebrations.
- Delicious Strawberry Frosting: A rich, buttery frosting with real strawberry puree.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 white cake mix
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry Jello
- ½ cup frozen strawberries, thawed and mashed
For the Frosting:
- 1½ sticks butter, softened
- ¾ cup frozen strawberries, thawed and mashed
- 4½ cups powdered sugar
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine white cake mix, flour, eggs, water, vegetable oil, strawberry Jello, and mashed strawberries.
- Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Add mashed strawberries and gradually mix in powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top (or between layers if using round cakes).
- Decorate with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles, if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Layered Cake: Use two 8-inch round cake pans and stack with frosting in between.
- Cupcakes: Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.
- Strawberry Lemon Cake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk in the frosting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes! Use ½ cup fresh mashed strawberries in the cake and frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake 1 day ahead and frost before serving.
What’s the best way to mash the strawberries?
Use a fork or food processor for a smooth consistency.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, try strawberry or vanilla cake mix for variation.
How do I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
What can I serve with this cake?
It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free flour substitute.
Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?
Yes! Use stabilized whipped cream for a lighter topping.
How do I make the cake extra moist?
Add ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
Can I use another type of Jello?
Yes! Try raspberry or cherry Jello for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cake is soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With its vibrant strawberry flavor and rich frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Try different variations, make it ahead, and enjoy a beautiful, homemade cake that everyone will love!
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cake is bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting! Made with strawberry Jell-O, frozen strawberries, and a moist cake mix base, this easy dessert is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries (thawed and mashed)
For the Frosting:
- 1 1/2 sticks butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup frozen strawberries (thawed and mashed)
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch round cake pans for layering).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, flour, eggs, water, oil, strawberry Jell-O, and mashed strawberries.
- Mix on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Strawberry Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add mashed strawberries and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble & Frost:
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If making a layer cake, frost between the layers before covering the top and sides.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer strawberry flavor, add ½ teaspoon strawberry extract to the batter.
- For extra texture, fold in ½ cup diced fresh strawberries into the frosting.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American